Youngless: Ecological Succession

Ecological Succession

A series of gradual changes that occur in a community following a disturbance

Primary Succession

Succession that occurs on surfaces where no soil exists

Secondary Succession

Succession that reestablishes a damaged ecosystem in an area where the soil was left intact

Volcanic rock

Melted Glacier

Where does primary succession occur?

Primary Succession (time)

What succession takes a long period of time?

Pioneer Species

The first species to colonize ecosystems and begin succession

Lichen and Mosses

What are the pioneer species in primary succession?

Climax Community

A stable, mature community of plants and animals

Forest Fire

Hurricane

Tornado

Flood

What causes secondary succession?

Secondary Succession (time)

What type of succession takes a shorter period of time?

Weeds and grasses

What are the pioneer species in secondary succession?

Intermediate Species

the plants and animals that establish a habitat after the pioneer species and before the climax community